Ark Adventures
Climb aboard the ark for a playful, multi-sensory Shabbat experience for young children (ages 0–4) and their grownups. Led by a team of artist-educators and musicians, Ark Adventures reimagines Tot Shabbat as a theatrical journey—blending music, puppetry, movement, and hands-on play.
Children receive animal ears and “board” the ark, setting sail together through imagination and song. Along the way, a puppet dove is sent out and returns with the Torah, inviting the community to explore the week’s story. As the journey comes to a close, the ark travels home, revealing a rainbow and welcoming in the new week.
Ark Adventures is in residence at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook, Illinois, with partnership ensembles in Boston and Toronto.
Shabbat comes to life as an enchanting theatrical journey for young children and their families.
All Aboard! Ark Adventures now sets sail in Boston and Toronto.
The K’ilu Company trained artist-educators to lead the Ark Adventures program in Boston (at Temple Isaiah and Temple Shalom of Newton) and Toronto (with First Foundations Jewish Community Preschools). This pilot project is made possible through generous support from The Covenant Foundation and Combined Jewish Philanthropies.
"Ark Adventures has changed the way Judaism comes into our home and the way our kids think about synagogue.
It has turned Shabbat morning into the highlight of the week. We all get there with so much excitement - and the constant creativity and interactions make coming to Shul feel new again. Our children love all the sensory and interactive opportunities to touch and feel things. They can't wait for the characters that come alive. You can see the joy light up their faces. During weeks when we don't have Ark Adventures, we listen to the music and have family dance parties at home.
It has become part of our lives."
— Ark Adventures Parent
